Phacelia grandiflora is from one of my favorite plant genera and is one of my favorites even from this genus. Despite how commonly it occurs through its range, P. grandiflora is limited to near-coastal regions and the south side of the Transverse Ranges through the lower third of California and a touch into Baja California. No two plants produce the same flower patterns – some deeply blue-purple, some pale, some with a dark center and pale tips. Growing up to about three feet tall, they thrive in disturbed areas and can on occasion dominate a space, though they usually coexist with other Phacelias such as P. brachyloba and P. cicutaria. The large flowers have a strange pungent odor (sweet, with a strong bias of burning rubber) and feature a prominent nectar cup. They are a favorite of native bees, particularly larger bumble bees which will make sure to pay thorough visits to each flower. The plants can produce numerous small seeds which will grow the following spring with very little water required to produce prolific and showy blooms.
